The Drama & Dance Department presents two Upper School productions annually—a fall play and winter musical. Both of the 2024-25 productions, The Ver**zon Play of November 2024 and Head Over Heels of February 2025, earned a combined 16 nominations from the Montclair State University’s Theatre Night Awards. Recognizing excellence in high school theatre across the tri-state area, the Theatre Night Awards honor the accomplishments of individual achievement of both students and educators in the areas of performance, direction, design and technical theatre, as well as outstanding productions. 

Theatre is a machine of many moving parts—each one essential to the success of the whole. While the true measure of a production’s value and impact is never about the awards, each earned nomination stands as a testament to the students’ collaboration, creativity, and shared commitment to the craft. These nominations are a testament to the hard work of every student involved—onstage and off. Your belief in the arts and your passion for storytelling shine brightly.

- Jeff Hogan, Upper School Drama Teacher

Congratulations to the cast and crew of both The Ver**zon Play and Head Over Heels for the artistry, collaboration, and dedication that went into every performance! 

The Ver**zon Play Theatre Night Awards Nominations:

• Outstanding Production of a Contemporary Comedy
• Outstanding Acting Ensemble in a Contemporary Comedy
• Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Contemporary Comedy: Troy Dunne ’28 as Jerry
• Outstanding Achievement in Live or Original Music: Chaim Sciamma ’27 for "Bad Day"
• Outstanding Achievement in Contemporary Costume Design for a Play: Casey Hallen
• The Risk Taking in Direction Award: Jeff Hogan

Head Over Heels Theatre Night Awards Nominations:

• Outstanding Production of a Broadway Musical from 2017-2024
• Outstanding Acting Ensemble in a Broadway Musical from 2017-2024
• Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Broadway Musical from 2017-2024: Colin Lauri ’25 as King Basilius
• Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Broadway Musical from 2017-2024: Dominique Alvarez ’26 as Mopsa
• Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Broadway Musical from 2017-2024: Haley Millowitz ’27 as Pamela
• Outstanding Achievement by a Student Assistant Director for a Musical: Lily Leand ’27
• The Risk Taking in Direction Award: Jeff Hogan
• Outstanding Achievement in Direction of a Musical: Jeff Hogan
• Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design for a Musical: Jac-que Robinson
• Outstanding Achievement in New Media/Special Effects in a Musical: Jac-que Robinson